In part one, I shared with you how the Rev. Elroy Patrick helped me to understand that, the “IF ONLY” statements I chose to focus on were standing between me and God.In this part of the article I would like to share some Scripture references with you, if you are struggling in a similar way or would like to help someone who is struggling in this way to move forward.

In previous articles and poems, I shared with you how I overcame my fears, got over those obstacles, received my healing from parental neglect and replaced the lies with God’s truth. I could not have done this on my own. God pointed me to the right people. He sent others into my life and continues to teach me by His Word. The Holy Spirit opens my understanding as I read God’s Word and helps me to apply these Biblical teachings to my life. I then share them with others so that they too can be overcomers.

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us not to lean on our own understanding. Instead we must trust the Lord, acknowledge Him in all our ways and He will direct our paths. In order for God to direct our paths, we must seek His will for our lives via His Word--the Holy Bible. That means spending time reading the Bible to understand His will for our lives. We must then do as James tells us in chapter 1:22--be doers of the Word.

The Bible tells us in Romans 8:35-38 that we have complete victory through him who loved us--Christ. I am sharing with you to either remind you of this truth you already know; encouraging you to “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” (See St. John 5:8 or Luke 5:24) Or I may be sharing with you to encourage you to dig into God’s Word to find the truth you have been searching for. 2nd Timothy 2:15 encourages us to Study to show ourselves approved unto God and chapter 3 tells us that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction in righteousness. Alternatively, I may be sharing with you to stir up the gifts within you (see 2nd Timothy 1:6-7) so that you too can share with others that their eyes may be opened to see the truth. In St. John 14:6-7 Jesus told His disciple, Thomas: “I am the way, the truth and the life.No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” Jesus is the truth and reading the Bible will expose us to His teaching and character. Knowing the truth will then set us free (St. John 8:36).

Whichever direction this article takes you, I pray that you will move according to God’s instructions.

If you are a wounded soldier you will need to receive your healing before attempting to go to war. Jesus came for such a purpose as you will read in Isaiah chapter 61. God wants to heal your wounds so that you can get back on the battle field. He has already given you the victory but while you are wounded it will be hard to see clearly. Doubt and fear will then creep into your mind and cripple you mentally and emotionally, in order to begin a process of disabling or destroying you spiritually. Soon you will settle for the lies that the enemy whispers in your ear. His plan for you--spiritual death!

I am sharing to remind you that you are an ambassador for Christ, according to 2nd Corinthians 5:20 and many are waiting to see the Christ in you so they too can be delivered from the chains that hold them bound. God wants to heal you so that He can operate through you in ministering to broken hearts (See Isaiah 61). Jesus told us that He would send the Comforter and He will help us to do even greater things than He did while He was here on earth. The evidence of that promise being fulfilled is recorded in Acts chapter 2. We have The Comforter/ the Holy Spirit is here to enable us to do all things through Christ.

Do not stay in the gutters of your life. That is Satan’s desire for us and we should not be ignorant of his devices (2nd Corinthians 9:11). He “…comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy…” (See St. John 10:10a). On the other hand, Christ says, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (St. John 10:10b).

I pray you will accept this life that God has freely given onto you. Wear your garment of praise and put on your robe of righteousness. Put on the full armour of God (See Ephesians 6). Without the whole armour of God, you will go back on the battle field and be severely wounded or you may die. God’s will is that you prosper. He wants you to survive. It is vital that you are delivered from bondage so that you can speak as an oracle for Christ, according to 1st Peter 4:11; act according to God’s will and fulfil your purpose on earth as a disciple for Christ.

“My dear friend, I pray that everything may go well with you and that you may be in good health--as I know you are well in spirit” (3rd John 2).